January 6, 2009

Save Stringer's Ridge

The Times-Free Press had a good article posted up on Christmas day about the work being done here in Chattanooga, Tennessee to help secure Stringer's Ridge as an urban forest and recreational area for public use. The land, a prime 92-acre tract located downtown right behind the new Two North Shore Rock/Creek location, has been up for sale for some time. Developers once proposed a dense residential development that would have chopped the top of the ridge off and destroyed much of the canopy. Public outrage led the developer to abandon that plan, and now the Trust for Public Land (TPL) has been working with the owner, Jimmy Hudson, to acquire the land for public use. TPL has secured $1.9 million for the project, but they need $2.5 million to make the purchase happen. Some plots of land could still be sold to cover the shortfall if necessary.

The T-FP article talked about how the Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies) and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) have already talked to TPL's Rick Wood about what to do with the property. Here's an excerpt from the article:

Ultimately, [SORBA] envisions about seven miles of bike trails on the ridge, [Jeffrey Schaarschmidt] said. As for sharing the trails with runners, he said he did not see any difficulties.

Randy Whorton, president of the Wilderness Trail Runners Association, said the groups have started a "single-track alliance" based on the fact that many trails in the area are shared between hikers, bikers and trail runners. He said he could envision a system of trails along the ridge where both bikers and runners could share walkways, while other trails could be individualized for the two groups' needs.

"I think it's going to come out well," he said. "It has to. This is an opportunity to have wilderness right in our downtown."

Larry Zehnder, the city's Parks and Recreation administrator, said Stringer's Ridge offers a prime opportunity because it could offer hiking opportunities to visitors staying in downtown Chattanooga.

"In this case, they could easily take an afternoon walking along the ridge," he said. [See full article online]

If you'd like to make a pledge to the project today, visit the TPL page for Stringer's Ridge >

Photo courtesy Trust for Public Land.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:28 AM | Comments (0)

December 21, 2008

Lookout Mountain 100k & 10k Results

It was a harrowing day full of rain, challenging creek crossings, and brutal climbs on Lookout Mountain for yesterday's 100k & 10k race. We'll have more for you soon, including full race results and photography, but I wanted to go ahead and update everyone on the results.

Click here for 100k results >
Click here for 10k results >

Keep an eye on the Lookout Mountain 100k web page for more information, and I'll post more here on the blog as well as it becomes available. Happy Holidays!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:56 PM | Comments (0)

December 19, 2008

Final Days of $2 Two Day / $5 Overnight Shipping for Christmas Delivery

Gift Ideas for Her >	Gift Ideas for Him  >	Gift Ideas for Kids >	Gifts for Travelers >
Gifts for Backpackers >	Gifts for Runners >	Gifts for Climbers >	Gifts for Paddlers >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:21 PM | Comments (0)

December 17, 2008

UGG Boots Now Available at Rock/Creek

Rock/Creek is excited to announce that we now carry a wide array of men's and women's UGG Boots and shoes. Unfortunately, we are not able to sell them on our rockcreek.com site, but we do have a large selection to choose from in both our brick and mortar stores. If you aren't local to the Chattanooga area and have an idea what UGG Boot you want to purchase, we can help you over the phone. Just call our customer service number and we'll hook you up - 1-888-707-6708. This is a great option for anyone who lives on the East coast and doesn't want to wait two weeks to get their boots, especially during the holiday time period. We ship out of Chattanooga and have some of the fastest delivery times on the East coast.

UGG Boots directs all of their energies to providing a boot that provides luxury, comfort and the highest quality footwear available. They use only the finest materials - the highest quality leather and suedes and of course the world's finest sheepskin. UGG Boot's products fit into your every day life offering you products that are fashionable, comfy and attainable.

Check out which shoes and boots we carry by clicking on these links, then give us a call or come by and visit our stores! 1-888-707-6708

Men's Ascot
Men's Beacon
Men's Classic Short
Men's Miramar
Women's Classic Short
Women's Coquette
Women's Knightsbridge
Women's Kohala
Women's Mayfaire
Women's Sunburst Tall
Women's Swell Tall

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:11 PM | Comments (0)

December 10, 2008

New Sustainable Shoe Company Pushes the END-velope

Rock/Creek announces that it is one of the first retailers in the country to carry END outdoor, a new line of performance footwear dedicated to minimizing the environmental footprint of shoe manufacturing. Unlike many other footwear companies, END has chosen to rework the design process by focusing on ways to reduce material use while continuing to get the high performance that athletes need. The designs go back to the basics, questioning all unnecessary complexity, which leads to less weight, less complicated seams that can eventually fail, and less glue that has to be used.

END's leading model is the Stumptown, with light hiking and trail running versions. Amazingly light at 8.5, 10, or 12 ounces, these running shoes are some of the lightest on the market. They also have some great sandals.

END just put out a new video on facebook where they go through the factory in China and spell out exactly what they've done to help reduce impact.

Shop for END running shoes, hiking shoes, and sandals at Rock/Creek >

Posted by bradmcallister at 2:39 PM | Comments (0)

November 25, 2008

Heart of Stone Climbing Film Premieres at Rock/Creek

Heart of Stone Climbing Film Premieres at Rock/Creek Friday December 5th

November 25, 2008 (Chattanooga, TN) - Rock/Creek and The Triple Crown Bouldering Series proudly present an exclusive premiere showing of the highly anticipated climbing access film-- Heart of Stone-- a film by Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler. Rock/Creek invites the general public to their retail location at Two North Shore in Chattanooga, TN for the premiere. The store will close at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 5th and doors will open at 7:15. The show will start promptly at 7:30 PM EST.

Heart of Stone investigates a critical point in rock climbing history in the southeast, while celebrating the many fantastic rock climbing resources that the Southeast has to offer.

As Kornylak explains, "the film celebrates what I think is the beginning of a golden age of discovery and stewardship of the amazing treasure of rock we have in the Southeast. The grassroots climbing community here is a miraculous mix of activism, generosity and respect for tradition: the Heart of Stone."

After the presentation of the film, acclaimed climbing athletes/activists Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, Lisa Rands, and Kevin Jorgeson will speak with the audience about the current state of climbing access in the southeast and across the country.

It's no mystery that the Southeast holds some of the best rock climbing in the country. From uncountable fields of immaculate sandstone, granite, gneiss and quartzite boulders, to fantastic buttresses of steep, single pitch crags, to valleys filled with giant multi-pitch granite domes, the South simply has it all for the rock climber.

However, unlike the Western United States, most of the land of the Southeast is privately owned, with much of the remaining property being managed by State and National Parks. Rock climbing in the Southeast has become a matter of relationships between the climbing community and land managers.

Historically, climbers as a group have been known to the general public as conservationists...and simply excellent stewards of land. The number of rock climbers participating in the sport has increased dramatically over the last ten years, however. This increase in the number of climbers and the popularity of some of the rock climbing resources has placed a strain on some of the natural environments where climbers recreate, and as a result have placed the relationship between climber and land manager at risk.

Active local non-profit climbing organizations like the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition, the Carolina Climbers' Coalition, and regional activists are struggling to find a common voice for the entire climbing community--a voice that is steeped in the historical tradition of respect for the environment and the private landowner, but also one that advocates a spirit of adventure.

Please join us at the debut of this film at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location. For directions and more information on our stores, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/locations.asp

A trailer for the film can be viewed online:
http://blog.rockcreek.com/archives/heart_of_stone_a_film_about_climbing_access_in_the_southeast.html

If the link is broken, try:
http://tinyurl.com/5eu24k

For more information on the Triple Crown Bouldering Series, visit:
http://triplecrownbouldering.org/

High-res photography available upon request.

Contact:
Mark McKnight
423.643.1528
mark@rockcreek.com

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to enacting positive change in the community and for our environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

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Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2008

Upchuck 50k Trail Race Report & Photos

John Wiygul and John Brower fought hard for the win at this past weekend's Upchuck 50k. Wiygul, from Chattanooga, came in seconds before Brower, a former Chattanoogan living in Jackson, MS. Wiygul captured first after almost five and a half hours of tough trail running. Stephen Smith of Chattanooga took third. Wiygul has raced many of our trail races and will be joining the Rock/Creek race team for 2009.

This first annual (official) Upchuck 50k took place on the Cumberland Trail and was presented by Rock/Creek and The Boonies. We had 23 finishers on this rather difficult course; the cold temperatures and off-and-on rain certainly contributed to the difficulty of the course. Several stream crossings ensured that the runners were going to be wet even before the rain.

Mark took a few photos from the finish line >
Robert took photos on the trail >

See full race results online >

We'll have a full race report from Chad Wamack in the next couple days, but in the mean time I thought I'd share Matt Sims' recollections of the first (much less official) Upchuck:

History of the Upchuck 50k (as told by Matt Sims)
Chad and I run together all the time. I am well aware of his dietary habits, running pace, what he likes to talk about when he runs, etc. This particular day we headed out to run 36 miles of the continuous Cumberland Trail segment that has recently been completed outside the Chattanooga area.

We did the normal car drop off at the "take out", and then shuttled the car a LONG way to the beginning of what would be a very memorable trail for us both. Chad likes to plan the route and is very methodical in what he might need. Lucky for me really, because I am not a good planner and I typically rely on Chad to figure it all out. We decided to run South to North, which now the official Upchuck 50k course runs North to South.

I won't bore you with the detail of the actual trail description and what we saw and how we felt and how many times I stopped to pee, etc. I will simply say, the Cumberland Trail is ridiculously well done. We are really fortunate to have the trail system and to have such a thoughtful group of planners and volunteers to make it happen.

I have gone through times of being very disciplined with what I eat and what I drink. I don't typically get caught up in all the fancy powders that are available today, although certainly I should because I bet I would be a real superstar runner. We do have a couple of really incredible runners in town and they are fanatic about Heed, an electrolyte replacement drink. They put the "hard sell" on Chad and I think Chad bought a couple of gallons of this stuff and probably stock in the company at the same time. So there we are running along with hydration packs. Mine was filled with water and Chad's was filled with Heed. Keep in mind this was the first time he had really used it, which typically isn't the best idea when you are pretty much committing to an all day run. But, oh well. Chad knows what he's doing.

We get about 18 miles into the run when we cross the Hwy 111, Jones Gap Road Crossing. This is unfortunate in some ways because you actually have to run on a bit of pavement to join the next trail segment, but in doing so you run right by a convenient store. Chad and I stopped in there to re-fuel and talk about Nascar with some of the locals.

Chad comes out of the store with a Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Water, Snickers, Cheese Crackers and a Fig Newton. I remember observing his carefully planned out purchase, and I have to admit I was a little jealous. Chad has a "go big or go home" approach to things, so I just figured he would carry what he didn't eat in his pack and eat it as we go. I was wrong. Chad dug in to what I comically refer to as "the last supper".

Off we go and off go the wheels. It took about 3 minutes of running before I heard Chad say, "I don't feel so good". I proceeded to turn around and see this bloated bellied figure start puking all over the place. I ran ahead so I didn't start puking myself. For the next 10+ miles Chad would puke occasionally and then start running again, all the while that Heed was keeping him company.

All in all I had a great run and Chad had a terrible one. It's funny now and I think he thinks so too. Just remember not to get carried away this year at the Jones Gap Road Convenience store.

Learn more about the Upchuck 50k >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2008

21% Off Coupon for our 21st Anniversary!

	Fleece Jackets > 3-in-1 Jackets  > Down & Synthetic Insulated Jackets  > Softshell Jackets > Rain Jackets > Kid's Clothing >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:19 PM | Comments (0)

October 29, 2008

The North Face Customer Appreciation Night

Everyone come check out The North Face Customer Appreciation Night on Thursday, Nov. 6th from 6-8 pm at Rock / Creek Outfitters 2 North Shore location off Manufactures Rd. in North Chattanooga.

The 1st 30 people thru the door will receive a FREE The North Face beanie! Plus, The North Face will be raffling off FREE Jester daypacks and a Rock 22 tent! To top it off, there will be FREE organic finger foods and drinks provided by your local GreenLife grocery.

The North Face factory reps will also be onsite to chat about The North Face gear and swap stories from your latest adventures. Rock / Creek Outfitters will be fully stocked in a wide selection of The North Face apparel, footwear, and equipment to prepare you for your next great outdoor adventure! Don't miss this incredible event!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:42 AM | Comments (0)

October 13, 2008

$9,000 Raised for Trails at 2008 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k

Locally-owned outdoor retailer Rock/Creek makes $9,000 donation for trails from the 8th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump, a 50k and 11 mile trail running race that took place on the Cumberland Trail in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

October 9, 2008 (Chattanooga, TN) - Rock/Creek today announces a $9,000 donation for trails. The Chattanooga-based retailer raised the money at the 8th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump this past weekend. $3,500 will go to the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) for their ongoing work on the 300-plus-mile long Cumberland Trail. The Trail, still under construction, stretches across the state of Tennessee from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap.

Another $3,500 will go to The Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies). Their mission is to promote trail running as a cornerstone to optimum health and as an avenue to adventure by focusing on expanding trail access, building new trails, maintaining existing trails, and organizing great trail races. The remaining $2,000 will go to the new Signal Mountain High School Cross Country team for work on their cross country course, which Boonies members will help construct.

The Rock/Creek StumpJump has become one of the largest ultramarathon-distance races in the country. This year's race took place on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Over 200 runners finished the 50k and 170 finished the 11 mile race. Runners came from across the country and the world, with runners representing 25 of the 50 states as well as Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Canada.

"Once again we had a great race" said Dawson Wheeler, Signal Mountain resident and co-owner of Rock/Creek: "We were able to raise significant funds this year and we look forward to building many miles of new trails. We could not have had this level of success without generous donations from our sponsors and the hundreds of volunteer hours contributed to the race."

Rock/Creek Race Team members fared well in the 50k race, with team members taking several top spots: John Anderson from Boulder, CO (originally of Signal Mountain) won first place in the 50k. Michael Green came in second. Jaclyn Greenhill won the women's division.

Other top finishers: Kevin Johnson of Ogden, UT finished third; Ryan Mittwede from Ridgeland, MS finished fourth. In the women's division, Abby Zeveloff from Carrboro, NC came in second, Lisa Purul from Panama City Beach, FL took third. Liz Lee of Knoxville, TN took fourth. Masters winners were: Phil Canning of Atlanta, GA; John Cobbs of Birmingham, AL; Tom Remaley of Cosby, TN; Marty Coleman of Marietta, GA.

Rock/Creek employee Deb Jones took first in the female division of the 11 mile race. Race team member Cathi Cannon took fourth.
Other 11 mile finishers included: Mark Lundblad of Swannanoa, NC (Team Inov8) took first. Tom Borschel from Idaho Falls, ID (Team LaSportiva) took second. Third went to local Sam Linhoss. Fourth, Jim Wueste from Atlanta, GA. Casey Malone of Memphis, TN came in as second place female. Lucie Becus from Cincinnati, OH took third.

Before the race, on Friday, October 3, Rock/Creek hosted the general public for a Vendor Fair and served 400 racers and family members for a catered carbo supper at their new store at Two North Shore on Manufacturers' Road. This family-friendly event showcased the race's sponsors and also served as a packet pick-up for racers. In addition, Dr. Charley Cropley from Boulder, Colorado gave a talk on natural foods and healthy nutrition for endurance activities.

Also on Friday live seamstresses worked to turn customers' old cotton t-shirts into sustainable shopping bags through the Icebreaker and Rock/Creek Bagging Cotton program. The promotion continues through the end of the month. Customers are invited to bring their old cotton t-shirts into Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location now through October 31st. Rock/Creek will transform the tee into a reusable shopping bag and customers will receive $10 off an Icebreaker pure merino top of their choice. For more details visit http://www.rockcreek.com/icebreaker/baggingcotton.asp

Sponsors of the race include SmartWool, Mountain Hardwear, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, La Sportiva, The North Face, Greenlife Grocery, Vasque, Deuter, KEEN, CamelBak, Southern Spring Water, Inov8 and Trail Runner Magazine. Next year's event will take place on October 3, 2009.

Photography available to the media by request.

For registration information, results and photography, please visit http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to enacting positive change in the community and for our environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

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Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

September 29, 2008

Your Turn to Be a Gear Expert - Write a Product Review Today!

 
It's your turn to be the gear expert! Help other customers decide what to get, and share your experience with the world. Write a review and you'll be entered to WIN one of 5 Rock/Creek Gift Cards for $100.

The more high-quality reviews you write, the better your chance of winning.

All you have to do is follow the "rate it" link from your review request email, or click the "write a review" link from any product page. You will see a page custom-tailored to the product you are reviewing.

Tips for writing great reviews:

  1)  Focus on specific details about the product and how it performed
  2)  Explain how the product is useful to you
  3)  Include images and videos if you have them
  4)  Don't mention any personally identifiable information

It's easy to write a review. Simply go to any product page, look for the "write a review" text link, and follow the instructions.

Get started today with some of our best sellers:

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Performance Sandals (Women's)

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Performance Sandals (Men's)

The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket (Women's)

The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket (Girls)

Here's what the product rating area looks like on each product page:



Details: Write a review for a chance to win one of (5) $100 gift cards good for anything in stock at rockcreek.com. All approved reviews will count as one entry in the contest. Winners will be selected by Rock/Creek staff based on the quality of reviews. All decisions are final and the sole decision of Rock/Creek. Notified by January 31, 2009. You must have a US address for shipping. Reviews are moderated by PowerReviews and must be approved for publication by Rock/Creek. Reviews will be published by Rock/Creek as well as on Buzzillions.com.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:55 PM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2008

We're Bagging Cotton!

Transform Your Old Cotton T-shirts into Reusable Shopping Bags!

We’re bagging cotton at Rock/Creek! Rock/Creek has teamed with Icebreaker, the New Zealand-based edgy, environmentally-driven leader in outdoor apparel made from pure merino wool to transform old cotton t-shirts into sustainable shopping bags. We’re inviting you to bring old cotton t-shirts into Rock/Creek’s Two North Shore location now through October 31st. Rock/Creek will transform the tee into a reusable shopping bag and you’ll receive $10 off an Icebreaker pure merino top of their choice.

“Who would have thought that soggy, shapeless cotton t-shirts would make such perfect nature-friendly reusable bags?” says Deb Boswell, marketing manager of Icebreaker. She added, “Similarly, many people don’t realize how perfect Icebreaker’s merino wool is in all types of weather. We hope Chattanoogans come in to ‘bag cotton’ and try on one of our ultra-fine merino t-shirts. They’ll feel for themselves why merino wool is a magic, all-season fiber.”

Come see a live seamstress transforming t-shirts into bags, and browse our beautiful collections of clothing made from merino wool.

The promotion runs now through October 31, 2008. Customers dropping t-shirts off at the store before Oct. 1st can pick them up on Oct 3rd. After the Oct 3rd the sewing will be done once a week and will be available for pickup the Friday after drop off.

Live seamstress in the store: Saturday, Oct 3, Noon-6PM

Rock/Creek at Two North Shore 301 Manufacturers Road Chattanooga, TN 37405

CONTACT Rock/Creek (423)-265-5969

About Icebreaker

Founded in 1994 and based in Wellington, New Zealand, Icebreaker created an entirely new clothing category: merino outdoor clothing. The hand-picked merino wool, procured directly from the country’s Southern Alps, is transformed through the best technology, ethical manufacturing and environmentally sound practices into every Icebreaker garment. The Travel, Outdoor and Underwear apparel collections use ten distinct pure merino fabrics that silky soft, insulate beautifully, breath effectively, and don’t itch or hold odor. Now the largest merino apparel company in the world, Icebreaker is currently available at nearly 2000 stores in 24 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia, and North America. For access to our online pressroom where you’ll find images and press releases contact onlinepress@icebreaker.com.

About Rock/Creek Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. With a dedicated staff of outdoor enthusiasts and gear experts, Rock/Creek offers only the very best outdoor apparel and equipment from top brands like Icebreaker and others to ensure that customers are comfortable and safe in the outdoors.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:45 PM | Comments (0)

September 15, 2008

Urban Rocks Gym Under Construction

Indoor climbing is coming to Chattanooga with the construction of Urban Rocks Gym. About a month ago, ground was broken for Chattanooga's first full service rock climbing facility. The gym, designed by Rockwerx Inc., will have 35 ft heights and 10,000 square feet of varying climbing terrain. With close attention to customer service, ever changing routes and a helpful staff, Urban Rocks hopes to become a great tool for bringing the Chattanooga climbing scene together.

For the last two years Chris Gibson and Rebecca Robran have been steadily working on bringing indoor climbing to the city. "It's been a long, tiring process with raising our own capitol, planning, and finding the right bank for financing, but we're very excited to see this project finally break ground" Gibson explains.

The facility will be located off of Amnicola Hwy. and will house over 10,000 sq. feet of climbing wall surface, which will include lead climbing, top ropes, top out bouldering, a teaching/kids wall, and a training area. The gym will cater to all abilities, from the professional climber to the complete novice. "We really hope to help bring the climbing community together, and to aid in fostering a really positive scene in the community of climbers and non climbers alike" Robran explains.

Climbing is among the fastest growing sports in the country. Anyone who has been climbing for the last ten years can attest to the remarkable surge in popularity and one of the fundamental focuses of the facility will be education. A wide variety of specialized classes ranging from Intro to climbing, to Leading, to Self Rescue, will be offered. Gibson hopes for the gym to contribute to the overall safety and experience level of the Chattanooga climbing community: "One of our goals is to provide ample opportunity for beginners to learn how to climb safely and smartly with others"

The gym has a projected opening date of mid-December with a grand opening scheduled for the beginning of the New Year. It's shaping up to be a great event with vendors, slide shows and raffles. Check out the website Urbanrocksgym.com for updates as the gym progresses.

The diagram at the top of this page shows the overview of the gym plan created by Rockwerx. The photo shows another Rockwerx-designed gym in Boston. We'll post more details here as they come, so stay tuned.

Shop at Rock/Creek for climbing gear, outdoor clothing, and travel gear >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:19 AM | Comments (1)

August 22, 2008

Cumberland Trail Conference Seeking Volunteers

The Cumberland Trail Conference is seeking volunteers to help build a bridge spanning Big Possum Creek.

August 28-September 4: bridge building Big Possum Creek. During this time period, volunteers are needed to bring in lumber, rebar, concrete, and the tools needed to build the bridge foundations. I have several people that have offered to help get the material back to the bridge site on 4-wheelers. Once the material is at the site, volunteers are needed to construct the foundations. Camping will be available at the Possum Creek campground on Lee Pike. The CTC will pay for the campsites and will provide meals (it will be camp food, sorry nothing fancy). If you are interested in helping with this first step in building the Big Possum Creek bridge contact Amanda Leamon at Amanda.Leamon@frontiernet.net.

The Cumberland Trail Conference is a 501.3c whose mission is to "build, maintain, provide activities on and promote the Cumberland Trail, a scenic trail along the Cumberland Plateau between Chattanooga and Cumberland Gap, in order to help preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Tennessee, conserve natural resources, provide educational and recreational opportunities and connect local communities.

Visit the Cumberland Trail Conference website for more information and maps of the Cumberland Trail.

Posted by bradmcallister at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)

August 8, 2008

Backpack Sale Ends Soon! Save 10-30% Today

Day Pack & Bookbag Sale

Backpacking Pack Sale (Medium-Capacity)

Hydration Pack Sale

Travel Bag Sale

 

Messenger Bag & Accessory Sale

Backpacking Pack (High-Capacity) Sale

Child Carrier Pack Sale

Lumbar Pack Sale

 

Ski Pack Sale

Ultra-Light Fast Pack Sale

Climbing Pack Sale

Bike Bag Sale

Casual Bag Sale

Camera Bag Sale

Hydration Bladder Sale

Pack Accessory Sale

Other Camping Essentials:  Cookware  |  Camp Chairs & Hammocks  |  First Aid & Safety

Food  |  Knives & Tools  |  Maps & Software  |  Pet Gear  |  Sleeping Pads  |  Stoves & Lanterns

Stuff Sacks  |  Sunglasses  |  Trekking Poles  |  Water Treatment

 

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Limited Edition Chaco Sandals !


Limited Edition Z/2 Sandals from Chaco.
$20 of your purchase goes directly to access.
Check it out today >

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Photo courtesy Marmot. c. Ace Kvale.

If you’ve been waiting to pick up a backpack for school, a day pack for those Fall hikes, or even a large travel or backpacking pack, now’s the time! Now until August 14, 2008, RockCreek.com is offering our entire line of backpacks and bags at 15-30% off. We have the highest-quality packs available to keep you comfortable no matter how many books you have to lug around or how long you’ll be in the backcountry. RockCreek stocks only the highest-quality packs from brands like The North Face, Deuter, Dakine, Arc’Teryx, Marmot, Gregory, and CamelBak.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)

August 1, 2008

20% Off Chacos Through August 2nd

donate shoes, get 20% off Chacos Rock/Creek and Chaco invite you to swap your old (but clean) shoes, sport sandals or boots for a 20% discount on new Chaco Sandals. We’ll donate your old shoes to those in need and keep them out of landfills. how to give back… 1)  Use coupon code “CHACORECYCLE08” at checkout by August 2, 2008 to Save 20% on your new Chacos.    shop for Chacos >       2)  When you receive your Chacos, put your old shoes back in the box and send them to us by August 31. 3)  Enjoy your summer with a new pair of Chacos and the knowledge that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. shop Chaco >

The original value of your donated shoes should be roughly equivalent to that of your new pair of Chacos. Coupon does not apply to Chacos already on sale, but we’d still love to have your shoes to send. 

where will my donated shoes go?

Footwear donated from the 2008 campaign will support the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages.

It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by Hookworm anemia. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. Within the intestine the hookworm feeds off its host supply. If the parasitic condition is left untreated, severe anemia and malnutrition will result. The condition will slowly advance until a blood transfusion becomes necessary for the infective individual’s survival.

In developing nations the cost of transfusion is often prohibitive and risky. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia.

Through the 2007 Chaco recycling program an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes—a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village.

In previous years the program has also supported communities in India and Nepal. Chaco’s program has also impacted communities closer to home. After hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region in September 2005, Chaco and participating retailers collected over 400 pairs of recycled footwear to distribute to displaced hurricane victims in affected areas of Louisiana.

Thanks to all those who donated to the 2007 program. This was our best year so far, with well over 100 pair of shoes recycled.

thank you for making a difference!

shop Chaco >

Please Send Your Donated Shoes to:

Rock/Creek
CHACO RECYCLE PROGRAM
4250 Benton Drive, Suite D
Chattanooga, TN 37406

1-888-707-6709
info@rockcreek.com

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2008

Trail Running Article in Chattanooga's Times Free Press.

Is trail running catching on in Chattanooga? You betcha it is! Chattanooga's local paper, The Times Free Press, seems to agree. Last week the newspaper released a great article on the trail running scene in Chattanooga. The article has some superb tips for those just getting into the sport, including the importance of owning a good pair of trail running shoes. Below is a blurb from the article. If you are interested in the entire piece you can find it on the Times Free Press website.

From the Times Free Press, July 17th 2008.

With some of the world's best -- and most accessible -- running trails in Chattanooga, it's no surprise the city's trail running community is taking off.

"I think people are starting to get out and say, 'This is really great stuff,'" said Randy Whorton, president of Chattanooga's Wilderness Trail Running Association.
This year, Rock/Creek Outfitters and the Wilderness Trail Running Association are sponsoring more local trail races than ever.

Four new races were added, including a 50k event billed as "the most difficult trail race anywhere in the country."

"It is beyond challenging," Mr. Whorton said. "It's in the middle of nowhere on a section of the Cumberland Trail that hardly gets any traffic, with hard climbs, plenty of roots and rocks and stream crossings."

Nationally, trail races and long-distance "ultra running" races are the fastest-growing activities among runners, said Mr. Whorton, a 47-year-old vice president of Chattanooga-based Earthscapes.

Today, "the Boonies," as the local Wilderness Trail Running Association is known, has about 65 members. Ninety-eight people subscribe to its message board.

The Scenic City's advantage, and its challenge, is a wide range of trails literally out many residents' back doors.

Posted by bradmcallister at 2:23 PM | Comments (0)

July 18, 2008

Chaco and Rock/Creek Partner in Footwear Recycling Program. Donations to Support Developing Countries.

Take a step against poverty. Trade in your old but usable clean shoes for a 20% discount on a new pair of Chaco footwear. Your trade becomes a donation as Rock/Creek and Chaco will send the shoes to third-world communities in need. The shoes can be donated online or in any of Rock/Creek's Chattanooga, TN stores. Customers can donate any brand or model of shoe, as long as it is a clean, usable, and well constructed piece of footwear. Online instructions for donation can be found on Rock/Creek's Chaco Donation page. The program will begin on July 18th and continues until August 2nd.

This year marks the forth consecutive year of Chaco's recycling campaign. Since the start of the program in 2004, Chaco and the company's recycling program partners have distributed nearly 15,000 pairs of sandals to poverty stricken areas of the globe. Rock/Creek joined the recycling partnership in 2005 and since then the store's loyal customers have donated more than 320 pairs of old shoes. This support makes Rock/Creek one of Chaco's top donating partners.

"We're pleased that Rock/Creek will again apply their passion and commitment to our recycled shoe promotion. Our joint effort to provide shoes to those in need can and has made a difference to thousands of people." said Ann Ellinger, Sr. Marketing Coordinator for Chaco.

SHOES SAVE LIVES

Footwear donated from the 2008 campaign will support the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages. It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by Hookworm anemia. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. If the parasitic condition is left untreated, severe anemia and malnutrition will result. The condition will slowly advance until a blood transfusion becomes necessary for the infective individual's survival. In developing nations the cost of transfusion is often prohibitive and risky. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia. Through the 2007 Chaco recycling program an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes--a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village.

In previous years the program has supported communities in India and Nepal. Chaco's program has also impacted communities closer to home. After Hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region in September 2005, Chaco and participating retailers collected over 400 pairs of footwear and distributed them to displaced hurricane victims in affected areas of Louisiana.

"Sustainability typically is defined as the long term balance between the environment, the economy and the needs of society. By offering customers the ability to recycle old footwear through donations to developing countries, and purchase a new pair of shoes at a discounted price, the program touches on all three corners of sustainability. This is certainly a model program for all companies considering sustainability initiatives," said Brad McAllister, Sustainability Adviser for Rock/Creek.

Rock/Creek and Chaco have partnered several times in the past on business oriented sustainability initiatives. In April, Rock/Creek was approached by Chaco and the Arbor Day Foundation to run a special tree planting campaign. During National Arbor Day weekend, a tree was donated for every pair of Chaco sandals purchased at Rock/Creek. Over 300 trees were planted through the partnership. The promotion, dubbed "Buy One, Get One Tree," ultimately supported the planting of over 800 trees.

Additionally, Rock/Creek and Chaco are currently offering limited edition Chaco Z2 sandals. $20 from the purchase of each sandal supports low impact, responsible climbing access through donation to the Southeast Climbers Coalition (SCC). To date, the sandal purchase program has raised over $20,000 for climbing access, including a $10,000 donation to the SCC in 2007. The limited edition sandals can be purchased at any one of Rock/Creek's Chattanooga stores or online. More information on the limited edition Chaco sandals can be found online at Rock/Creek.com

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Posted by bradmcallister at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

July 16, 2008

Rock and Ice, Outside Magazines Give Chattanooga Top Honors

Psst...hey...can you keep a secret?

Two of the nation's top outdoor magazines rank Chattanooga high on their top ten city lists. How high? Very high. Outside ranks Chattanooga #2 on their Ten Top 21st Century Renaissance Towns, and Rock and Ice gives Chattanooga number one honors as America's top climbing town. The Outside article cites a revival that began more than 30 years ago when Chattanooga was embarrassed by Walter Cronkite's prime time label of the city as America's most polluted. Today that revival continues with the development of an comprehensive urban park system, a unique urban tree planting initiative and the development of hundreds of miles of mountain biking, running and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

This is the second time Outside has honored Chattanooga as one of America's top cities. In 2001, the magazine included Chattanooga on its list of America's Top 10 Outdoor Towns.

Rock and Ice's top nod goes to Chattanooga and claims the city is a "kick-ass rockin' place to be a climber." The article cites "bullet-hard sandstone, plenty of new-route potential, and friendly and inviting folk everywhere," as the reasons that Chattanooga tops their list.

Great news, Right! But keep it quite, we don't want the masses to flock on the news that we have known all along. Both issue are on our shelves. Come in and check them out!

Rock and Ice's Top Climbing Towns.

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee


2. Boise, Idaho


3. Ogden, Utah


4. South Lake Tahoe, California


5. Leavenworth, Washington


6. New Paltz, New York


7. Favetteville, West Virginia


8. Vancouver, British Columbia


9. Flagstaff, Arizona


10. Boone, North Carolina

Outside Magazine's Best Towns, 2008

1. Washington, D.C.


2. Chattanooga, Tennessee


3. Ogden, Utah


4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire


5. Tacoma, Washington


6. Ithaca, New York


7. Louisville, Kentucky


8. Eureka, California


9. Crested Butte, Colorado


10. Columbia, Missouri

Posted by bradmcallister at 5:04 PM | Comments (0)

July 14, 2008

American Podiatric Medical Association Recommends Chaco

The staff at Rock/Creek have all been wearing Chaco sandals and Chaco flip-flops for years. We adore them. We're enamored by them. They're like Mama's mac and cheese; comfort food for our feet. There is no other universally worn brand of sandal or flip-flop at Rock/Creek than Chaco. Part of the reason is the comfort and style, another part is the knowledge that by wearing Chacos we are supporting a well-constructed product produced by a company with a deep environmental conscience. Then there is a third benefit that is literally felt deep within the core of us all - the health benefits associated with wearing a sturdy, supportive pair of Chacos. Recently the foremost association of foot professionals, the American Podiatric Medical Association, released their "Ten Tips to Foil a Flip-Flop Fiasco." In the article the association warned about the common problems associated with summertime flip-flip use. They also recommended ways to mitigate those problems and still live in summertime flip-flop comfort. One of their top flip-flop do's, "look for flip-flops that hold APMA's Seal of Acceptance, such as Chaco's Flip Collection." Yes, we've been validated! The entire article is listed below.

Also, keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement of Chaco and Rock/Creek's 2008 sandal recycling program. Bring in your old, but clean, shoes, boots or sandals from July 18th to August 2nd and your old pair will be donated to poverty stricken communities throughout the world. Did I mention that you will also get 20% off the purchase of a new pair of Chacos. The program has had great results in the past and we hope to better them this year.

TEN TIPS TO FOIL A 'FLIP-FLOP FIASCO' FROM THE AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Podiatrists give advice on shopping for and wearing flip-flops

Bethesda, MD -Summertime immediately evokes care-free images of backyard barbeques, relaxing poolside and sporting the ultimate "beach-bum" accessory - the flip-flop. But before jumping into any pair of stylish flip-flops, it's important to realize that wearing them can easily lead to a variety of serious foot injuries.

"There are many flip-flops on the market that offer little to nothing in terms of arch support, stability and shock absorption," said Dr. Ross Taubman, President of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "Foot-related injuries due to flip-flop wear have been on the rise. Opting to wear a pair of cheaply constructed flip-flops puts the wearer at risk for injuries such as arch pain, tendinitis and sprained ankles."
Pay attention to the following 10 flip-flop "do's" and "don'ts" to avoid falling victim to a "flip-flop fiasco:"

Flip-Flop Do's:

-Do look for a flip-flop that is made of high-quality, soft leather. This material, unlike plastic or foam, will minimize the potential for blisters and other kinds of irritation.

-Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA's Seal of Acceptance, such as Chaco's Flip Collection and Wolky's Serenity, part of their Zen Collection. Evaluated by a committee of APMA podiatric physicians, these products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality foot health. For more foot-friendly choices, visit APMA's Seal page.

-Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring that it bends naturally at the ball of the foot. Shoes should never fold in half.

-Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete's foot.

-Do ensure that your foot doesn't hang off of the edge of the flip-flop.

Flip-Flop Don'ts:

-Don't re-wear flip-flops year after year. Thoroughly inspect older flip-flops for wear. If they show signs of severe wear in the soles, it's time to discard them.

-Don't ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits - this can lead to blisters and even worse irritation.

-Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flop offers little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.

-Don't do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects the foot when doing outside activities like mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.

-Don't ever play sports in flip-flops. You can easily twist your foot or ankle, leading to sprains or breaks.

About the APMA
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association is the nation's leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists. The association has component societies in 53 locations in the U.S. and its territories and a membership of close to 11,500 doctors of podiatric medicine. For free foot health information, visit www.apma.org.

Posted by bradmcallister at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)

July 9, 2008

Rock/Creek & Greenlife present a River Conservation Night at the IMAX Center, July 17th

Rock/Creek and Greenlife is proud to present a special private viewing of the IMAX film, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, River at Risk. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 17th. Proceeds from the night will benefit the Tennessee Aquarium's conservation programs. In addition to full admission film, tickets include complementary Atlanta brewed Sweetwater Beer and hors d'oeuvres from local grocer Greenlife. The event begins at 6:30 with a welcome reception in the IMAX Theater's lobby . The theater is located at 201 Chestnut Street. The private showing of the 3D film will follow the reception. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Rock/Creek's North Shore location and at neighboring Greenlife Grocery. Both are located in the Two North Shore shopping plaza on Manufacturers Road.

The spectacular film, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, is featured worldwide in select IMAX 3D Theaters and is produced by Macgillivray Freeman, the world's largest distributer of giant screen films. The film showcases the stunning aerials and unique action sequences that millions of Freeman followers have come to adore. Like other Freeman Films, Grand Canyon Adventure pulls the viewer into the heart of one of the world's richest and most awe inspiring ecosystems. For this particular film, the viewer is introduced to some of the perils that face the Earth's most fragile life support system, its great rivers.

Once one of the world's mightiest rivers, the Colorado is currently under threat of overdevelopment and unsustainable resource use. Today agriculture and development intercept the the river before its natural journey to the Gulf of California is complete. The once expansive Colorado River Delta is now only a trickle and supports but a fraction of the diverse plant and animal species it once did. Grand Canyon Adventure follows environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., anthropologist and author Wade Davis, and their two daughters as they navigate the waters of the Colorado River through the 277 mile long Grand Canyon. The goal: to bring awareness to the treats that the Colorado River, and many of the world's other rivers, face. In addition to the visual and auditory thrills that viewers have come to expect from IMAX films, audiences will learn how they can help threated rivers through conservation and restoration projects. With impassioned narration by Robert Redford and music by multi-Grammy Award winning Dave Mathews Band, the film promises to stimulate the environmental fervor within outdoor recreational users, conservationists and film fanatics of all types.


This special event is a unique opportunity for Chattanoogan residents to simultaneously support both the Tennessee and Colorado Rivers. Area residents are well familiar with the value of protecting the life sustaining capabilities of America's grandest rivers. News stories, such as Atlanta's drought and current water crisis, highlight this fact. In addition to its role as a major attraction for both Chattanoogan residents and visiting tourists, the Tennessee Aquarium serves as one of the region's most effective education and conservation based organizations. For more information on the efforts of the aquarium and how you can get involved locally, check out the Tennessee Aquarium online.

Rock/Creek and Greenlife's private event is scheduled for one night only; don't miss this chance to support the majestic rivers that make your life, and the life of all other species on this planet, possible. Tickets are limited, so be sure to stop by Rock/Creek or Greenlife to guarantee your entry into the film today.

Posted by bradmcallister at 4:25 PM | Comments (2)

June 25, 2008

Rock/Creek Raises Money for Access with Chaco Z/2's & Marmot Driclime Jackets

Building on three previously successful campaigns, Rock/Creek and Chaco will donate $20 to Southeastern climbing access for every pair of Limited Edition Chaco Z/2 sandals sold at any Rock/Creek store or online at www.rockcreek.com.

"I've never worked with a retailer more focused on the conservation and preservation of natural space. Rather than talk about what needs to be done, Rock/Creek puts their money where their mouth is and accomplishes amazing things," said Brian Scranton, Director of Marketing for Chaco Footwear. To date, the sandal purchase program has raised over $20,000 for climbing access, including a $10,000 donation to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) in 2007. The 2007 campaign was unexpectedly successful; ultimately three different versions of the sandal were released to meet demand. This year, Rock/Creek and Chaco hope to better last year's unprecedented success. The generated proceeds will again be donated directly the the SCC's efforts to protect climbing access in the southeast.

The initial 2004 campaign raised $3,000 toward the purchase of Laurel Knob, a multi-pitch granite dome in North Carolina. Proceeds from 2005, a total of $8,000, went to closing the note on the Boat Rock bouldering area. Located within Atlanta city limits, Boat Rock provides daily recreational activity for many of Atlanta's urban residents. The area was threatened by development until the SCC purchase was made possible by concerned climbers along with corporate sponsors like Rock/Creek and Chaco.

This year's Chacos are available in two colors: Espresso for men and Blue Ridge for women. They have gone on sale and are currently in stock at Rock/Creek locations in Chattanooga and online at http://www.rockcreek.com/chacos/limited-edition.asp

Rock/Creek and Chaco have a long history of cooperative support for outdoor recreation and conservation. In April, Rock/Creek was approached by Chaco and the Arbor Day Foundation to run a special tree planting campaign. During National Arbor Day weekend, a tree was donated for every pair of Chaco sandals purchased at Rock/Creek. Over 300 trees were planted through Rock/Creek. The promotion, dubbed "Buy One, Get One Tree," ultimately supported the planting of over 800 trees.

This year, Rock/Creek will expand their Triple Crown program to include a Marmot jacket with proceeds benefiting the Triple Crown. The jacket, Marmot's popular DriClime Windshirt, will be embroidered on the sleeve with the Triple Crown Bouldering Series logo and will be offered online at a special price. Like the special edition Chaco Z/2 sandals, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition.

"At the 2007 Triple Crown Bouldering series we offered these jackets to the judges and raffled off a handful" said Chad Wykle, co-founder of the Triple Crown Bouldering series, former Rock/Creek employee, and current Chaco regional rep. "They were immensely popular and many people came up to me after the event asking where they could get one. We figured this was reason enough to test the waters and offer the product to Rock/Creek's loyal customers and create revenue for climbing access"

Only 65 of the jackets are available and in-stock at Rock/Creek's Chattanooga stores. They can be purchased online at http://www.rockcreek.com/marmot/driclime-windshirt.asp. The jacket will be available in four colors; lead/flint or stellar blue/tempest for men and black or blue sky/celestial for women.

About the Triple Crown Bouldering Series:

The Triple Crown Bouldering Series consists of events on the first weekend of October, November, and December. The series begins at Hound Ears in Boone, North Carolina. In November, the series will move to Horse Pens 40 in Steele Alabama. The finale will take place at Stone Fort (formally Little Rock City), Chattanooga, TN. More information about the series can be found at http://www.triplecrownbouldering.org/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Rock/Creek and Keen Donate $4,000 for City of Chattanooga Kayak Purchases after Fire
Rock/Creek and Patagonia announce $3100 Grant for LuLa Lake Land Trust
$3300 Raised for the Boonies at 2nd Annual Scenic City Marathon Presented By Rock/Creek and Vasque
Join Rock/Creek And The AHS for National Trails Day June 7 2008
$20,000 Raised For Access At 2007 Triple Crown Bouldering Series
Rock/Creek and Local Outdoor Enthusiasts Improve Sunset Park
$4000 Raised At Rock/Creek Stump Jump
Recycle Your Old Rope

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:07 PM | Comments (0)

June 17, 2008

Rock/Creek and Keen Donate $4,000 for City of Chattanooga Kayak Purchases after Fire

After a devastating fire that destroyed the City of Chattanooga's kayak fleet, local retailer Rock/Creek and footwear manufacturer Keen put together a matching grant for $4000 to help the City begin to rebuild their kayaking program.

Sometimes the unexpected happens, and when it does, it is the unexpected partnerships that play an important role in rebuilding a community. Such was the case in April of this year when an electrical fire in the "Red Barn" at Greenway Farms turned into a big loss of outdoor equipment for Outdoor Chattanooga's OutVenture program. The Saturday morning fire set the barn ablaze and with it went Outdoor Chattanooga's OutVenture kayak fleet. When the fire was finally controlled a total of 31 boats plus essential equipment such as paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets, were lost.

After the fire, fears began to surface about having to cancel the 2008 kayaking and canoing programs. That fear was becoming a reality when local business leaders from throughout Chattanooga offered a helping hand. After hearing of the fire, Rock/Creek co-owner Dawson Wheeler contacted Outdoor Chattanooga and offered to donate $2,000 to help replenish the supply of equipment. As the extent of the disaster started to be uncovered, it was clear that Rock/Creek's donation would need to be matched by another company to ensure that the summer's programs could continue. Rock/Creek approached Keen, a footwear company based in Portland, OR, about matching the donation to the program. Joining forces with a footwear company to replenish lost kayaking equipment may seem like an odd partnership, but Keen's staple shoe, the Venice H2 Sandal, is highly popular with many professional boaters. Immediately, Keen agreed to match Rock/Creek's $2,000 donation, increasing the combined donation from the two companies to $4,000. To prevent any loss of time, and with the kayaking season quickly approaching, Rock/Creek also offered to allow Outdoor Chattanooga and OutVenture to borrow their rental kayaks and kayaking equipment.

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield thanked Rock/Creek and Keen: "The community's response to the loss at Greenway Farms has been overwhelming. On behalf of the City, thank you for the generous donation and continued support of the OutVenture program." Dawson Wheeler echoed the mayor's sentiment, thanking Keen and others from the local community for their help: "While we are happy to do what we can for, more importantly we want to serve as a model for other organizations and individuals who will hopefully find a place in their budget to support low-impact outdoor recreation initiatives such as OutVenture."

Rock/Creek and OutVenture's relationship did not begin with this year's unfortunate incident. Rock/Creek employees have often assisted instructors in kayaking and canoing classes hosted by OutVenture. Classes that teach individuals how to roll an overturned kayak are held on Tuesday nights. For more information, contact Outdoor Chattanooga's OutVenture at (423) 842-6629.

Outdoor Chattanoooga was formed in 2004 after a series of public meetings hosted by the city. The OutVenture program followed shortly after and specializes in community outreach programs that aim to get people active in the local environment. One such program, that was on the verge of being canceled after the fire, is the Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak Camp that teaches Chattanooga's youth the fundamentals of safe and enjoyable whitewater paddling. OutVenture offers both day and weekend trips. More information about OutVenture's programs can be found at http://www.outdoorchattanooga.com/

Rock/Creek has been working closely with Chattanooga's outdoor community for more than 20 years. In addition to the Company's efforts with public entities such as Outdoor Chattanooga, Rock/Creek has also awarded grants to locally run private groups. Recently, Rock/Creek, in conjunction with Patagonia, donated $3,100 to the Lula Lake Land Trust. This donation supports an expanding trail network that will ultimately link lands protected by the land trust with Cloudland Canyon State Park. Rock/Creek aims to support responsible, minimal impact access to the outdoor world that will help to educate tomorrow's stewards of the planet. Rock/Creek's environmental statement can be read at http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/environmental.asp.

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:01 AM | Comments (0)

June 16, 2008

Our Youngest Race Team Member, Johanna Gartman

Rock/Creek is proud to announce our latest Race Team member, Johanna Gartman. At only 15 years old, she is also our youngest member. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

School: Homeschool
Age: 15

Current Team Affiliations:
Scenic City Aquatic Club, USAT Southeast Youth Elite Team

Races/Accomplishments:

2007
Ironkids National Champion (Phoenix,AZ )
USAT National Ranking (Age Group 9th)
USAT Southeast Regional Ranking (Age Group 2nd)
Ironkids Atlanta (1st overall female)
Sports Barn Triathlon (2nd overall female/ age group winner)
River Gorge Trail Run —10k ( 2nd overall female)
Clemson Triathlon SC State Championship (age group winner/9th overall)
Orlando Triathlon (age group winner/6th overall female)
Grandman Triathlon Mobile,AL(age group winner/8th overall female)
Scenic City Triathlon (age group winner/4th overall female)
Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon (age group winner)

2006
USA Triathlon Grand Prix Series National Champion
USAT Youth National Championship (5th place) Wiscconsin Dells, WI

“I would like to gain more experience in trail running, and I feel that being a part of the team could provide insight for maturing that goal. It would be a privilege for me to be a part of a team whose members are such intense endurance athletes.”



Read more about Rock/Creek’s sponsored athletes online >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

May 19, 2008

Media Alert: Rock/Creek and Vasque Present The Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, benefiting The Boonies

Media Alert
May 20, 2008

Contact:
Jamie Sanders, Race Director
423.505.0310 (mobile)
stumpjump50k@rockcreek.com

Mark McKnight, Marketing Director, Rock/Creek
423.643.1528 (office)
423.596.1573 (mobile)
mark@rockcreek.com

Rock/Creek and Vasque Present The Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, benefiting The Boonies

What: Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon presented by Rock/Creek & Vasque, benefiting The Boonies
Where: TVA Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility
When: Saturday, May 24, 2008, 8:00 a.m race start
Who: Rock/Creek, Vasque Footwear, The Boonies (Wilderness Trail Running Association)

Rock/Creek and Vasque proudly present the second annual Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, taking place at TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility on the trails developed by SORBA-Chattanooga. Both of these trail runs begin at 8:00 a.m. Race-day registration and check-in will open at 6:45 a.m. The race begins and ends at the Laurel Point Parking Lot.

The Scenic City Trail Marathon will set the bench for a state record in trail running. The trails at Raccoon will be fast and forgiving, making for a great leisurely race for new trail runners or a full-on speed fest for those in the hunt for the first state record for a trail race.

Now part of the Vasque North American Trail Tour, this year's Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon promises to be an incredible experience. Sponsored by Rock/Creek, Vasque, Mountain Hardwear, and SmartWool. Participants will receive a technical Wicked Tee from Mountain Hardwear. Prizes and raffles will be provided as well.

Proceeds from the race benefit the trail building efforts of the Wilderness Trail Running Association (a.k.a. "The Boonies"). Specifically, the proceeds from this race will help build the trail for the Lookout Mountain 100k, taking place on December 20, 2008 along with a 10k.

For more information visit:
http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

Photo Opportunities:
Well over 100 trail runners from around the United States will be competing on a beautiful course with sweeping views of the TN River Gorge and the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir.

Interview Opportunities:
Jamie Sanders, Race Director
Randy Whorton, President, The Boonies

Map to TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility (via Google Maps):
http://tinyurl.com/6dh9tu
When you get to the TVA Road, you follow it up to the gates to the facility. From there you will see signs directing you to Laurel Point.

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

##

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:49 PM | Comments (0)

April 30, 2008

Rock/Creek's New Brand Identity Receives First Place in AIGA Design Competition

Memphis, TN- April 2008: Rock/Creek and Widgets & Stone announce victory at the 2008 American Institute of Graphic Arts TEN Show.

Coming out on top with a Gold Medal, Widgets & Stone won the Brand Identity category with Rock/Creek. Under Design Director Paul Rustand, designers Matt Greenwell, Brad Dicharry, and Joseph Shipp of Widgets & Stone came up with the current “Rock/Creek” brand that has proven to be successful. Caleb Ludwick served as Strategist/Writer on the project, Mark McKnight contributed photography, and Steve West contributed to production.

The American Institute of Graphic Arts, or AIGA, is the nationally-recognized professional association for design. AIGA describes itself as "the place design professiona